Domaine Roillus

Domaine Roillus is above all a story of family and heritage. Located in the heart of the Bourgueil appellation, the estate was taken over in 2017 by Anthony Houx, representing the 4th generation. By taking the reins of the estate, Anthony pays tribute to his great-grandfather Alfred Roillus, who planted his first vines in 1930. Today, the estate covers about 16 hectares of vineyards and maintains a human scale, where the work is organized throughout the seasons, in a very present family spirit. Here, the vines are cared for with patience, and each step is designed to respect the identity of the terroir and the grape variety.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How did the estate come about, and what led you to take it over?

A family story and an early calling

A family estate where seasonal work and family spirit blend together,

Anthony summarizes to define Domaine Roillus.

This personal story naturally continues in Anthony’s journey, who fell very early into the world of wine. As a child, he was already accompanying his parents in the vineyards and the cellar, discovering the profession daily from a very young age. This early contact with the vine and wine shaped his vocation and attachment to the estate. Taking over the family business was not by chance, but an obvious choice, with the desire to continue the adventure while bringing his own sensitivity.

I fell into the barrel when I was little!

Anthony declares with humor.

What guides your work in the vineyard and the cellar?

Terroir, Cabernet Franc and sustainable viticulture

At Domaine Roillus, the philosophy is based on a simple idea: let the terroir and Cabernet Franc, the flagship grape of the Bourgueil appellation, speak for themselves. This approach allows for the production of red and rosé wines with very different expressions, despite a common grape variety. The plots rest on a diversity of soils (sand, gravel, and tuffeau) that give rise to contrasting profiles, sometimes supple and generous, sometimes more structured and deep. The goal is to produce wines without artifices, faithful to their origin and vintage.

Producing sincere wines that reflect their origin

is the guiding principle that drives the work at Domaine Roillus.

This commitment is accompanied by particular attention to the environment. With the help of his parents Brigitte and Joël Houx, Anthony has engaged the estate in sustainable viticulture, concretized by obtaining the HVE label. Preserving the soils, promoting the natural balance of the vine, and working with restraint are integral parts of the approach. Among future projects, the winemaker wishes to further refine parcel-by-parcel work, enhance the identity of each cuvée, and gradually reduce the vineyard area to gain precision.

The desire to do better each year, to offer bottles that bring pleasure to customers,

Anthony confides.

What place does sharing hold at the estate?

Bourgueil wines under the sign of sharing

Work at Domaine Roillus is not limited to technique but also relies on a strong human dimension. Manual harvesting is a key moment of the year, marked by fatigue but also by a unique atmosphere. The teams consist of diverse profiles, coming from different backgrounds, united by the same goal.

Alone we go faster, together we go further

, a motto to which Anthony is particularly attached.

In the glass, this philosophy is reflected in Bourgueil wines that are accessible and generous, seeking a balance between freshness and character. Anthony fully identifies with this style of frank and expressive wines, capable of providing immediate pleasure while respecting the identity of the Loire terroir.

A Bourgueil that combines freshness and character, without artifices

, this is the wine that most resembles him.

Domaine Roillus thus continues its path, faithful to its roots, with the ambition to evolve its wines without ever losing its family values.

Discover the wines of Domaine Roillus directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine Roillus

Where is Domaine Roillus located?

Domaine Roillus lies in Bourgueil, in France's Loire Valley. Anthony Houx tends around 16 hectares of vines grown on sand, gravel and tuffeau soils.

Who runs Domaine Roillus?

Anthony Houx took over the family estate in 2017. He is the fourth generation and continues the work begun by his great-grandfather Alfred, who planted the first vines back in 1930.

Which grape variety are the wines made from?

Cabernet Franc, the signature grape of the Bourgueil appellation, leads the way. It yields both reds and rosés, with profiles that shift from one plot to the next.

Does Domaine Roillus follow an environmental approach?

Yes. With help from his parents Brigitte and Joël, Anthony practises sustainable viticulture and earned the HVE (High Environmental Value) certification, protecting the soils and the natural balance of the vines.

What style of wine does Domaine Roillus make?

The estate's Bourgueil wines aim for a balance of freshness and substance. Made without artifice, they stay supple and easy to drink while reflecting their Loire Valley origin.